Adventure stories of mythical, mystical, magical fantasy and romance
They’re both lucky in life but unlucky in love—unless they give each other a second chance.
Adele Backwoods lives the career most actresses would envy, working full-time in the cast of a musical theater company. She just didn’t expect her free time to be so lonely. When her childhood friend, Peggy, falls ill and needs someone to watch her godson for a few days, Adele rushes back to Long Beach, California—and runs straight into Clayton, her childhood sweetheart and Peggy’s brother.
Their first romance ended when Adele refused to follow Clayton to D.C. after College. Still, she decides there’s no harm in hooking up. Only for the summer. Hearts not involved.
Then she receives an offer to be the lead in a Broadway show. She’d have to move to NYC and leave Clayton behind. Suddenly, Adele’s not as impartial to Clayton as she thought… not even with her future on the line.
Clayton Elliot hasn’t left his lobbying job to go back to his hometown since College. His sister Peggy’s cancer treatment comes before his bad memories, though, and he returns to Long Beach to be there for her. The fact that Adele—Peggy’s best friend and his ex—would be in California too doesn’t occur to him until they’re face-to face again. He vows he won’t make the same mistake twice.
But Adele’s still the sexy, ambitious woman who sparks a fire in Clayton whenever they’re together. Why not live in the present and enjoy each other, no strings attached?
Because neither of them wants to change careers, for one. And it’s usually more than “just a fling” if you’ve never stopped loving them…
Belmont Shores—an ideal exclusive neighborhood of Long Beach. Paradise for most, but not to Adele Blackwood. Returning home to California meant criticism. Her mother’s irritating tone echoed in her ear. “Isn’t it time you grow up and be a meaningful member of society?” Like she wasn’t. In her mother’s eyes,entertainers rated just above food servers.
She pulled off the freeway at Seventh Street. Her alma mater, Long Beach State, was on her right. Seeing the Walter Blue Pyramid Arena, her heartbeat increased as she remembered Peggy’s love of sports. “Go forty-niner’s,” she hollered out the window.
Pulling into her parent’s estate, she took a deep breath, sucked in her stomach, lowered her shoulders and pasted on an I’m-so-glad-to-see-you-smile. Showtime! Adele laughed at the strange feeling of anticipation, even though she’d fretted for days at the idea of spending eight weeks with her mother. She’d returned home for Peggy, her best friend.
Adele wiped at her eyes brimming with tears. She still reeled from the shock of learning Peggy had leukemia. She’d promised Peggy she’d help with Patrick, her five-year old godson until Clayton, Peggy’s brother arrived from Washington DC.
Seven years had passed since college. Clayton went to Georgetown University; she to the stage. She hadn’t spoken with Clayton after refusing to follow him to DC. She’d been determined to make a life in New York. That hadn’t turned out well. Instead, she joined an Off-Broadway troupe and went to Arizona.
Adele expelled her breath, releasing the chokehold gripping her throat. She’d never regretted her decision. The stage offered acceptance, understanding, liberation—something not found in Belmont Shores.
She pulled into the circular drive and honked the horn. The garage door opened. Her father, in a bright Hawaiian shirt and khaki shorts, walked toward the car. She popped the trunk. He appeared spry and healthy despite his heart attack last spring. Climbing out of the car, Adele wrapped her arms around his neck staring into the gentlest blue eyes. “You look great.”
“Playing golf.”
She gave him a beaming smile. “Now that you’ve sold your law firm, you must relax and enjoy life.”
He snorted. “Your mother’s more of a slave driver than any of my clients.”
Adele glanced around the yard, surprised not to see her mother charging out the door. “Where’s mom?”
“Who knows? She’ll be home soon. We have reservations at the Carriage house for dinner.”
“Who else is coming?” Adele squinted her eyes giving her father that do-I-have-to-go-look.
He pulled the suitcases from the trunk. “Just a few of your friends to welcome you home.”
She followed him to her childhood bedroom still decorated with Flashdance and Fame posters. On her desk sat a picture of Peggy, Clayton, and herself at Long Beach Aquarium. She picked up the picture, remembering the good times they shared in college. The three were inseparable. The three musketeers they called each other.
Her dad saw the direction of her gaze. “I’m sorry about Peggy.”
“She can’t die,” her voice choked trying to hold back the tears…
You'll also receive a regular newsletter with updates, and special offers!
Unsubscribe anytime. Keep your free gift. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. This site includes Amazon and other affiliate links. If you buy a book through these links, I'll earn a small commission. This does not affect your purchase price.
Published by
